News Release

Date:Toronto   November 6, 2008  

GRIPPING DOCUMENTARY LIVING THROUGH DYING BREAKS SILENCE ON DEATH

CCI Entertainment’s groundbreaking documentary LIVING THROUGH DYING, premieres Sunday, November 23 at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. PT on Discovery Civilization Channel.

By breaking down barriers and openly discussing the taboo topic of death and dying, this one-hour special is an honest and heart warming tribute to those living with a terminal illness.  Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Fern Levitt, the film provides viewers with insight, perspective and courage on dealing with our own mortality and those of our loved ones.

Audiences will meet Gail Burgess, a 43-year-old mother of three who faces her daily battle with ALS head-on by choosing to leave a legacy for her children, and fights each day to find a cure. Reverend Paul Fairly, an unconventional young minister, who at 38 years old must deal with inoperable brain and lung cancer, approaches each day with an unfailing sense of humour and continues to be an inspiration to his community. Lastly, Art Zoccole presents a unique perspective on the tradition, spirituality and mysticism that surrounds death and dying in his Native Canadian community. Active in educating others in his community and around the world about HIV/AIDS, Art now lives with the disease and leads his community by example.
 
“I am so grateful to Gail, Paul, and Art for allowing us into their lives,” said Fern Levitt, Director and Writer of LIVING THROUGH DYING. “These three heroes take us on an unpredictable journey and help us recognize how important it is to live each day to the fullest.”

CCI Entertainment Ltd. (Cambium Catalyst International)
CCI Entertainment is one of Canada's leading independent production, distribution and licensing companies with a successful track record spanning twenty five years. CCI has been responsible for thousands of hours of award-winning family, factual, and lifestyle television for the world market including: Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, Erky Perky, Turbo Dogs, and Beyond the Screen as well as movies such as the award-winning mini-series Iron Road, and the documentary My Opposition: The Diaries of Friedrich Kellner. CCI continues as an industry leader in today’s changing landscape by developing content that entertains and engages our minds and hearts. CCI: Beyond imagination.

Fern Levitt
Fern Levitt has been an accomplished documentary filmmaker for well over a decade.  Since 1995, Fern has written, produced and directed 13 films, which have received critical acclaim and both national and international awards, including: US International Film and Video Festival Creative Excellence (My Opposition), Special Jury Award, Houston Worldfest International Film and Video Awards (The Velvet Revolution and Gorbachev’s Revolution), Silver Screen and the One World Award – US International Film and Video Awards (Gorbachev’s Revolution), Best Documentary, Houston Film Festival (Sakharov – Conscience of a Country), The Chris Statuette, Columbus Film Festival (Come Out Fighting), Best Documentary - Silver Plaque, US International Film & Video Awards (Each of Us Has A Name), Best Social Documentary, Yorkton Film Festival (Each of Us Has A Name), First Place at the National Media Awards (Elliot Lake).

Discovery Civilization
Journey back through time with Discovery Civilization to revel in humanity’s defining moments. Meet the people, cultures and ideas that have shaped our common past, and those that will dictate our future. Discovery Civilization is about learning where we came from and knowing where we can go.

For more information:
Shannon Hall, Discovery Civilization, 416-332-5903 or shall@discovery.ca

Diana Arajs, Poise Communications, 416-538-5837 or Diana@poisecommunications.com

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